
Show Notes
Your first paid job as a makeup artist is a big deal—whether it’s for a bride, a brand, a production, or a friend-of-a-friend referral. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of learning curves.
In this episode, I’m sharing everything I wish someone had told me before my first few paid jobs. We talk about what actually matters on your first job (and what doesn’t), how to handle nerves and stop over-performing, why being adaptable is more important than being impressive, what to do if you make a mistake, spill something, or forget a product, how to ask clear questions without looking unprepared, whether you should take BTS content on the job, how much you should (or shouldn’t) talk while working, and how to follow up after a job without being awkward.
If you’ve ever felt anxious about your first paid client, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through what to focus on, how to stay professional, and how to let go of the pressure to be perfect.
I also share a bronzer I’ve been loving that’s helped me work faster on set:
HOUSE LABS Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer I have shades Soleil Sand Fair, and Amber Horizon Medium.
https://go.shopmy.us/p-18200596
Whether you’re prepping for your first job or just getting more consistent work, I hope this episode helps you feel more grounded and confident.
More from Artist to Artist
This is the final episode of the Artist to Artist podcast. After 60 episodes, I'm putting the podcast on hiatus to focus my mentorship energy inside the membership, where I can go deeper with artists building sustainable careers.
Before you set any goals for 2026, you need to assess where you actually are right now. Most makeup artists skip this step and wonder why nothing changes year after year.
If you're waiting until January to start planning your next year, you're already behind.
If you've been sending DMs to photographers and vendors and getting nothing back, this episode is going to change how you think about networking forever.
Speed is a non-negotiable in this industry, but it doesn't mean sacrificing quality or cutting corners on hygiene. In this episode, I break down the myths self-taught and new makeup artists believe about working fast, share the moment I realized speed was actually a skill, and walk through the systems that let you work efficiently without ever putting client safety at risk.